8 Jul 2026Complaint not upheld (refusal valid)Freedom of Information Act 2000
1. The complainant has requested information which constitutes correspondence relating to football rules from the Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”.) The CMA refused to disclose the requested information under sections 31 and 44(1)(a) of FOIA.
2. The Commissioner’s decision is that the CMA has correctly applied section 44(1)(a) FOIA in this case.
3. The Commissioner requires no steps to be taken.
Exemptions cited: FOI 44
View Competition and Markets Authority
8 Jul 2026Complaint partially upheldFreedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested information in relation to a complaint they submitted to Companies House. The Commissioner’s decision is that Companies House should have refused to confirm or deny whether it held the requested information under section 40(5) of FOIA. The Commissioner does not require Companies House to take further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10; FOI 40
View Companies House
8 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The public authority has failed to respond to this request within 20 working days, as specified under FOIA. The Commissioner requires it to provide the complainant with a response to this request within 30 calendar days in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10(1)
View Derby City Council
8 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested information about who approved and drafted specific interim guidance. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) provided information regarding who approved the guidance (the first part of the request) and stated that it did not hold information within the scope of the second part of the request. The Commissioner’s decision is that, on the balance of probabilities, the EHRC does not hold information within the scope of the second part of the request. The Commissioner finds that the EHRC failed to comply with sections 1(1)(a) and 10(1) of FOIA because it did not clearly confirm, within 20 working days, whether information falling within the scope of part two of the request was held. The Commissioner does not require further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1(1)(a); FOI 10(1)
View Equality and Human Rights Commission
8 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested copies of guidance and related materials issued to carriers concerning the acceptable documentation British citizens, including dual nationals, may use to travel to the UK. The Home Office confirmed that it held some information falling in scope, but refused to disclose it, citing section 21 (Information accessible by other means) of FOIA and providing a link to information on GOV.UK. The Commissioner’s decision is that section 21 was incorrectly cited. He also finds that the Home Office adopted an unduly narrow interpretation of the request and did not take reasonable and proportionate steps to identify all information falling within its scope. The Commissioner therefore finds that the Home Office did not comply with section 1(1) of FOIA. The Commissioner requires the Home Office to disclose pages 6, 9, 12, 28, 34 and 35 of version 8 of the carrier information pack. It must also conduct searches to identify any further information held within the scope of
Exemptions cited: FOI 1; FOI 21; FOI 45
View Home Office
8 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant requested information from Elmbridge Borough Council. The Commissioner’s decision is that the public authority failed to respond to the request within 20 working days and has therefore breached section 10 of FOIA. The public authority must provide a substantive response to the request in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
View Elmbridge Borough Council
7 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Environmental Information Regulations 2004
The complainant requested information from Cotswold District Council about highway movement, parking and safety. The Commissioner’s decision is that the public authority failed to respond to the request within 20 working days and has therefore breached regulation 5 of EIR. The public authority must provide a substantive response to the request in accordance with its obligations under EIR.
Exemptions cited: EIR 5
View Cotswold District Council
7 Jul 2026Complaint partially upheldFreedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested information about the former Chief Executive Officer of Carillion plc, Richard Howson. The Insolvency Service (“the agency”) relied on section 40(5B) of FOIA (third party personal information) to refuse to confirm or deny that the information was held.
The Commissioner’s decision is that the public authority has correctly relied on section 40(5B) of FOIA to refuse to confirm or deny that the information was held. The Commissioner also finds a breach of section 10 (timescale for compliance) of FOIA.
The Commissioner does not require further steps to be taken.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10; FOI 40(5)(b)
7 Jul 2026Complaint partially upheldFreedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant requested information held by Isle of Wight Council (the council) about its contracts with Civica UK Limited (Civica). The council provided some information and links to information about its contracts, but refused to comply with the remaining parts of the request under section 12 of FOIA, on the basis that the cost of compliance would exceed the appropriate limit. The Commissioner’s decision is that the council is entitled to rely on section 12(1) of FOIA to refuse to comply with the request. However, the Commissioner finds that the council breached section 16 of FOIA by failing to provide adequate advice and assistance. The Commissioner also finds that the council breached section 17(5) of FOIA because it did not issue its section 12 refusal notice within 20 working days. The Commissioner requires the council to provide the complainant with advice and assistance to help them refine the request so that it may be brought within the appropriate limit.
Exemptions cited: FOI 12; FOI 16; FOI 17(5)
View Isle of Wight Council
7 Jul 2026Complaint partially upheldFreedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant requested information about withdrawals of TV Licensing's implied right of access to properties. The BBC has disclosed some information with redactions made under section 31(1)(a) and 31(1)(d) of FOIA and advised it doesn’t hold any further, relevant information. Section 31 concerns law enforcement. The Commissioner’s decision is as follows:
The information the BBC has redacted from information it disclosed engages sections 31(1)(a) and (d) of FOIA. Capita holds Documents A, B and C on behalf of the BBC for the purposes of FOIA. These documents therefore fall within scope of the request. The BBC failed to comply with sections 1(1), 10(1) and 17(1) of FOIA. The Commissioner requires the BBC to take the following step to ensure compliance with the legislation: Issue the complainant with a fresh response to Documents A, B and C in accordance with FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1(1); FOI 10(1); FOI 31(1)(a); FOI 17(1); FOI 31(1)(d)
View BBC
7 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The public authority has failed to respond to this request within 20 working days, as specified under FOIA. The Commissioner requires it to provide the complainant with a response to this request within 30 calendar days in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
View Brighton and Hove City Council
7 Jul 2026Complaint not upheld (refusal valid)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant requested documents relating to charging orders on a specified property. HM Land Registry stated that the information requested was exempt under section 21 (information accessible to the applicant by other means) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that HM Land Registry is entitled to rely on section 21(2)(b) of FOIA as its basis for refusing the complainant’s request. The Commissioner does not require any steps to be taken.
Exemptions cited: FOI 21
7 Jul 2026Complaint not upheld (refusal valid)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant submitted a five-part request to Isle of Wight Council (the council) about council tax income and expenditure. The council provided information, explanations and links, and said it held no further information. The complainant disputed this in relation to part 2 of their request, and argued that the council should also have provided advice and assistance under section 16. The Commissioner’s decision is that, on the balance of probabilities, the council does not hold further recorded information within the scope of part 2 of the request, and was not required to provide further advice and assistance under section 16 of FOIA. The Commissioner also considers that the council complied with section 10(1) of FOIA when responding to the request.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1; FOI 10; FOI 16
View Isle of Wight Council
7 Jul 2026Complaint not upheld (refusal valid)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant submitted a four part request for information held by Isle of Wight Council (the council) about council tax revenue and its funding of pension contributions to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The council provided information in response to parts 1 and 3 of the request. It said that it did not hold the information requested in part 2 and, at internal review, also confirmed that it did not hold the information requested in part 4. The Commissioner’s decision is that, on the balance of probabilities, the council does not hold recorded information falling within the scope of parts 2 and 4 of the request. The Commissioner also finds that section 16 did not require the council to calculate or estimate the proportion requested in part 2.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1; FOI 16
View Isle of Wight Council
7 Jul 2026Complaint not upheld (refusal valid)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant requested the name of a councillor who was reported to have been in arrears for council tax. The Council refused the request citing section 40(2) (personal data) of the FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the withheld information is exempt under section 40(2) of the FOIA. The Commissioner does not require any steps to be taken.
Exemptions cited: FOI 40
View North Devon District Council
7 Jul 2026Complaint not upheld (refusal valid)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested information from the Metropolitan Police Service (the “MPS”) about communications, correspondence or contact between various bodies. The MPS would neither confirm nor deny (“NCND”) whether it held any information, citing sections 23(5) (Information supplied by, or relating to, bodies dealing with security matters), 24(2) (National security), 27(4) (International relations), 31(3) (Law enforcement) and 40(5B) (Personal information) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the MPS was entitled to rely on section 23(5) of FOIA to neither confirm nor deny whether it held the requested information. No steps are required.
Exemptions cited: FOI 23
View Metropolitan Police Service
7 Jul 2026Complaint not upheld (refusal valid)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested information about Section 5A road traffic toxicology and drugs analysis at Hampshire Scientific Services. The Forensic Science Regulator disclosed some information and withheld the remainder under sections 36(2)(b)(ii), 36(2)(c), 40(2) and 41 of FOIA. These exemptions concern prejudice to the effective conduction of public affairs, personal data and information provided in confidence, respectively. The Commissioner’s decision is that the withheld information engages sections 36(2)(b)(ii) and 36(2)(c) of FOIA. The Commissioner does not require any steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 36(2)(b)(ii); FOI 36(2)(c)
View Forensic Science Regulator
7 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The public authority has failed to respond to this request within 20 working days, as specified under FOIA. The Commissioner requires it to provide the complainant with a response to this request within 30 calendar days in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
View Epping Forest District Council
7 Jul 2026Complaint not upheld (refusal valid)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant requested information about arrests made in relation to the Online Safety Act 2023. Kent Police relied on section 12 (cost of compliance) of FOIA to refuse the request. The Commissioner’s decision is that Kent Police was entitled to rely on section 12(1) of FOIA to refuse the request. The Commissioner also finds that Kent Police complied with its section 16 obligation to offer advice and assistance. The Commissioner does not require Kent Police to take further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 12; FOI 16
View Kent Police
7 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant requested information held by Isle of Wight Council (the council) about how council tax revenue has been used to fund the council’s borrowing and debt servicing costs within a particular time period. The council provided the complainant with some information, including details of published information relating to council tax income and expenditure. The complainant disputes the council’s response to the part of the request where it said that it did not hold recorded information showing the allocation of council tax income to borrowing and debt servicing costs. The Commissioner’s decision is that, on the balance of probabilities, the council does not hold recorded information showing the allocation of council tax income to borrowing or debt servicing costs.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1
View Isle of Wight Council
7 Jul 2026Complaint partially upheldFreedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant submitted a request to City of Westminster (the Council) seeking information about salary payments made to an individual after they had left the employment of the Council. The Council provided some information in response to the request but argued that the remainder was exempt from disclosure on the basis of section 40(2) (personal data). The Commissioner’s decision is that majority of the withheld information is exempt from disclosure on the basis of section 40(2) of FOIA. However, the total value of payments made to the individual is not exempt from disclosure on the basis of this exemption. The Council breached sections 10(1) and 17(1) by failing to respond to the request within 20 working days.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10; FOI 17; FOI 40
View Westminster Council
7 Jul 2026Complaint not upheld (refusal valid)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant submitted a request to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) seeking information about a meeting that took place in March 2025 between the Foreign Secretary and First Minister of Scotland. The FCDO disclosed some information but withheld the remainder on the basis of sections 23(1) (security bodies) and 24(1) (national security) applied in the alternative, and sections 27(1)(a) (international relations), 28(1) (relations within the UK) and 40(2) (personal data). The Commissioner’s decision is that the withheld information is exempt from disclosure on the basis of sections 27(1)(a), 28(1) and 40(2).
Exemptions cited: FOI 27; FOI 28; FOI 40
View Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
7 Jul 2026Complaint partially upheldEnvironmental Information Regulations 2004
The complainant has requested information about highway restrictions. North Yorkshire Council disclosed some of the requested information, but in respect of the remainder of the request, it withheld the information under the exception provided by regulation 12(5)(b) (The course of justice, etc.) of the EIR. During the course of investigation, the Council informed the Commissioner that it also sought to withhold the information under regulation 12(4)(b) (Manifestly unreasonable requests) on the grounds of cost and now sought to do so. The Commissioner’s decision is that regulation 12(4)(b) is engaged and that the balance of the public interest favours maintaining the exception. However, the Council’s handling of the request breached regulation 14 (Refusal to disclose information). The Commissioner does not require further steps but refers the Council to the points raised in ‘Other matters’.
Exemptions cited: EIR 12(4)(b); EIR 14; EIR 9(1)
View North Yorkshire County Council
6 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested The Open University (the university) to disclose information relating to its policies and procedures on handling subject access requests under the Data Protection Act and disability related support. The university refused to comply with the request citing section 12 of FOIA (cost limit). The Commissioner’s decision is that the university has not demonstrated that section 12 of FOIA is engaged and is therefore not entitled to rely on that exemption. The Commissioner requires the university to issue a fresh response to the complainant in accordance with FOIA which does not rely on section 12.
Exemptions cited: FOI 12
View The Open University
6 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Environmental Information Regulations 2004
The complainant requested information from Wychavon District Council relating to a property in Wyre Piddle. The Commissioner’s decision is that the public authority breached regulation 11 of the EIR, as it failed to carry out its internal review within 40 working days. The public authority must reconsider how it responded to the original request and inform the complainant of the outcome in accordance with its obligations under the EIR.
Exemptions cited: EIR 11
View Wychavon District Council
6 Jul 2026Complaint partially upheldFreedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested internal guidance on the Department for Work and Pension’s (DWP) fraud investigations. The Commissioner’s decision is that DWP is entitled to rely on section 31(1)(a) to withhold the withheld information. He does however find that DWP breached section 10(1) by not disclosing the remaining information within the statutory timeframe. The Commissioner does not require further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10; FOI 31
View Department for Work and Pensions
6 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The public authority has failed to respond to this request within 20 working days, as specified under FOIA. The Commissioner requires it to provide the complainant with a response to this request within 30 calendar days in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10(1)
View London Borough of Croydon
6 Jul 2026Complaint not upheld (refusal valid)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant requested from Leicestershire Police, information regarding reports of suspected drone incidents. Leicestershire Police provided the information requested in question one of the request. For question two, it cited section 40(5B) (third party personal data) of FOIA.
The Commissioner’s decision is that Leicestershire Police correctly relied on section 40(5B) of FOIA to refuse to confirm or deny whether it holds information relating to question two of the request. The Commissioner does not require Leicestershire Police to take any steps as a result of this decision.
Exemptions cited: FOI 40(5)(b)
View Leicestershire Police
6 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant requested information from the Home Office relating to Guidance Assessment Care in Detention and Teamwork. The Commissioner’s decision is that the public authority failed to respond to the request within 20 working days and has therefore breached section 10 of FOIA. The public authority must provide a substantive response to the request in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
View Home Office
6 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant requested information from East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust relating to a Nuclear Medicine imaging system. The Commissioner’s decision is that the public authority failed to respond to the request within 20 working days and has therefore breached section 10 of FOIA. The public authority must provide a substantive response to the request in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
View East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
6 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Environmental Information Regulations 2004
The Commissioner’s decision is that the public authority has breached regulation 11 of the EIR by failing to provide a reconsideration (internal review) of a response within 40 working days. The Commissioner requires it to provide the complainant with the internal review within 30 calendar days in accordance with its obligations under the EIR.
Exemptions cited: EIR 11
View London Borough of Croydon
3 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested information on the compatibility with Article 1 of Protocol 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights with the non-payment of Universal Credit to single claimants who die during an active assessment period. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was entitled to aggregate the requests under section 12(4) of FOIA but was not entitled to rely on section 12(2) to neither confirm nor deny whether it held the requested information. The Commissioner requires DWP to issue a fresh response to the request that does not rely on section 12(2). The public authority must take these steps within 30 calendar days of the date of this decision notice. Failure to comply may result in the Commissioner making written certification of this fact to the High Court pursuant to section 54 of the Act and may be dealt with as a contempt of court.
Exemptions cited: FOI 12
View Department for Work and Pensions
3 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested information on internal process reviews. The Commissioner’s decision is that DWP is not entitled to rely on section 12(2) to refuse to confirm or deny whether the requested information is held. The Commissioner requires DWP to issue a fresh response to the request that does not rely on section 12(2) of FOIA and confirms whether or not the information is held. If the information is held, DWP must either disclose this or issue a refusal notice compliant with the requirements of section 17. The public authority must take these steps within 30 calendar days of the date of this decision notice. Failure to comply may result in the Commissioner making written certification of this fact to the High Court pursuant to section 54 of the Act and may be dealt with as a contempt of court.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10; FOI 12; FOI 16
View Department for Work and Pensions
3 Jul 2026Complaint not upheld (refusal valid)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested correspondence between The Crown Estate and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, their private offices and representatives on the subject of any potential sale of Bagshot Park. The Crown Estate withheld information under sections 40, 41, 43, 31 and 37 FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that The Crown Estate has correctly relied on the exemptions under sections 43 (commercial interests) and section 37 (communications with the Royal Household) to withhold the information it holds. No steps are required.
Exemptions cited: FOI 37; FOI 43
View The Crown Estate
2 Jul 2026Complaint partially upheldFreedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant submitted a request to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) seeking information about the then Duke of York’s visit to Azerbaijan in 2009. The FCDO disclosed some information in response to the request but withheld further information on the basis of sections 27(1)(a) and (d) (international relations), 40(2) (personal data) and 43(2) (commercial interests) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the information withheld under sections 27(1)(a) and (d) is exempt from disclosure on the basis of those exemptions. However, he has concluded that the information that has only been withheld on the basis of section 43(2) is not exempt on the basis of that exemption.
Exemptions cited: FOI 27; FOI 43
View Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
2 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant made a request for any data analysis summaries or reviews of the Frontier Worker Permit scheme carried out by the Home Office since 1 January 2020.
The Commissioner’s decision is that, on the balance of probabilities, the Home Office does not hold any information which falls within the scope of the request. The Commissioner does not require further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1
View Home Office
2 Jul 2026Complaint not upheld (refusal valid)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested information relating to the Independent Inquiry Report into Bangor Grammar School, circa 1996 to 1999. The Department for Education (the Department) released the information subject to redactions under section 40(2) (personal data). The Commissioner’s decision is that the Department was entitled to withhold some of the information under section 40(2), with the exception of specified information detailed in the confidential annex. The Commissioner requires the Department to provide the complainant with the information detailed in the confidential annex. The confidential annex has not been provided to the complainant.
Exemptions cited: FOI 40(2)
View Department of Education (Northern Ireland)
2 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Environmental Information Regulations 2004
The complainant submitted an information request to the London Borough of Hillingdon (the council) for the monitoring data and for the remediation plan for New Years Green Landfill.
The council applied regulation 12(4)(a) (information not held) for the monitoring data, and regulation 12(4)(d) (material in the course of completion) of the EIR for the remediation plan.
The Commissioner’s decision is that the council holds the monitoring data and therefore regulation 12(4)(a) is not engaged. He also considers that the council was entitled to rely upon regulation 12(4)(d) of the EIR to withhold the remediation plan, but that the public interest favours disclosure. Furthermore, the Commissioner has found that the council’s handling of the request breached regulations 5(2) (time for compliance) and 14(refusal to disclose information) of the EIR.
The Commissioner requires the council to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation.
• Disclose the monitoring data or issue
Exemptions cited: EIR 12(4)(a); EIR 12(4)(d); EIR 14(3); EIR 14(2); EIR 5(2)
View Hillingdon Council
2 Jul 2026Complaint partially upheldFreedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested copies of reports, briefings and communications used in the process of agreeing a sponsorship arrangement with BP. The British Museum (‘the museum’) provided some information but relied on section 36 of FOIA (prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs) to withhold some of the requested information. It stated that it did not hold any information relating to communications with BP in which it provided information about, or clarifications on, aspects of its business activity. The Commissioner’s decision is that the museum was entitled to rely on sections 36(2)(b)(i), 36(2)(b)(ii) and 36(2)(c) of FOIA to withhold some of the requested information. However, he finds that the exemptions do not apply to already publicly available information. He is satisfied that, on the balance of probabilities, the museum does not hold information within scope of part C of the request. He also finds that the museum breached sections 1(1),10(1) and 17(1) of FOIA by failing
Exemptions cited: FOI 1; FOI 10; FOI 17; FOI 36(2)(b)(i); FOI 36(2)(b)(ii); FOI 36(2)(c)
View British Museum
1 Jul 2026Complaint not upheld (refusal valid)Environmental Information Regulations 2004
The complainant requested information in relation to an application for access protection markings outside of a specified property. Conwy County Borough Council (the Council) refused the request, citing section 40(2) (personal information) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). During the course of the Commissioner’s investigation, the Council reconsidered the request under the EIR and cited regulation 13 (personal information) of the EIR. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Council was entitled to refuse the request on the basis of regulation 13(1) of the EIR. The Commissioner does not require any steps.
Exemptions cited: EIR 13(1)
View Conwy County Borough Council
1 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested information from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) about overtime claims for UKHSA employees. The public authority has failed to respond to this request within 20 working days. The public authority must provide a substantive response to the request in accordance with its obligations under FOIA. The public authority must take this step within 30 calendar days of the date of this decision notice.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
View UK Health Security Agency
1 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested numerical information about grant applications made under the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme. The Home Office refused the request, citing sections 24(1) (National security) and 38(1) (Health and safety). The Commissioner’s decision is that neither exemption is engaged. The Commissioner requires the Home Office to disclose the withheld information.
Exemptions cited: FOI 24; FOI 38; FOI 45
View Home Office
1 Jul 2026Complaint not upheld (refusal valid)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested information about possible redundancies within the public authority. Caerphilly County Borough Council (“the Council”) refused the request, citing section 40(2) (personal data). The Commissioner’s decision is that the Council is entitled to rely on section 40(2) to refuse the request. The Commissioner also recorded a procedural breach of section 10(1). The Commissioner does not require further steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 40(2)
View Caerphilly County Borough Council
1 Jul 2026Complaint partially upheldFreedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested information about data breaches since June 2022. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is entitled to rely on section 12(1), cost of compliance exceeds the appropriate limit, to refuse to comply with the request. The Commissioner is also satisfied that DWP has provided adequate advice and assistance in accordance with its obligations under section 16(1). The Commissioner does, however, find that DWP breached section 17(5) by failing to respond within the statutory timeframe. The Commissioner does not require any steps.
Exemptions cited: FOI 12; FOI 16; FOI 17
View Department for Work and Pensions
1 Jul 2026Complaint not upheld (refusal valid)Environmental Information Regulations 2004
The complainant requested various information in respect of Peter Mandelson, the Global Counsel, and specific US Congress Members, in relation to both mineral prospecting licenses and the Dalradian planning application at Curraghinalt. The Department for the Economy (Northern Ireland) (the DfE) informed the complainant that it does not hold information relevant to some items of their request. In relation to the remainder, the DfE refused the request citing regulation 12(4)(b) (manifestly unreasonable) of the EIR. The Commissioner’s decision is that, on the balance of probabilities, the DfE does not hold relevant information in respect of items 1, 2 and part of item 3 of the request, and that it was entitled to refuse the remainder of item 3 of the request on the basis of regulation 12(4)(b). The Commissioner has also concluded that the DfE has complied with its obligations under regulation 9 (advice and assistance) of the EIR. The Commissioner does not require any steps.
Exemptions cited: EIR 12(4)(a); EIR 12(4)(b)
1 Jul 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant requested information from Ealing Council regarding referrals to police for potential investigation or prosecution.
The Commissioner’s decision is that the public authority failed to respond to the request within 20 working days and has therefore breached section 10 of FOIA. The public authority must provide a substantive response to the request in accordance with its obligations under FOIA.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
View Ealing Council
1 Jul 2026Complaint partially upheldFreedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested the Health Research Authority (HRA) to disclose nutritional and meal information relating to a study they participated in. HRA disclosed some information, withheld one document under section 22A of FOIA and confirmed that the remainder of the information was not held. During the Commissioner’s investigation, further information was disclosed to the complainant, including the document previously withheld under section 22A of FOIA. But the complainant remains concerned over the handling of their request and whether HRA has identified all relevant recorded information. The Commissioner’s decision is that, on the balance of probabilities, HRA does not hold any further recorded information beyond that already disclosed. He has however recorded a breach of section 1 and 10 of FOIA, for the disclosure of information to which the complainant was entitled, outside the statutory timeframe for compliance. The Commissioner does not require further steps to be taken.
Exemptions cited: FOI 1; FOI 10
View Health Research Authority
1 Jul 2026Complaint partially upheldEnvironmental Information Regulations 2004
The complainant has requested information about water quality at specific sites. The Commissioner’s decision is that, on the balance of probabilities, the Environment Agency (EA) has now disclosed all the relevant information it holds. It breached regulations 5(1) and 5(2) of the EIR as it failed to make all the information it held available within the required timescale. The EA also breached regulation 14 as it failed to issue a refusal notice in respect of information it didn’t hold at the time of the request. The EA’s internal review complied with the requirements of regulation 11, however. The Commissioner does not require further steps.
Exemptions cited: EIR 11; EIR 14; EIR 5(1); EIR 5(2)
30 Jun 2026Complaint upheld (body must disclose)Freedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested information from Derby City Council about expenditure, placement costs, and contractual terms. The public authority has failed to respond to this request within 20 working days. The public authority must provide a substantive response to the request in accordance with its obligations under FOIA. The public authority must take this step within 30 calendar days of the date of this decision notice.
Exemptions cited: FOI 10
View Derby City Council
30 Jun 2026Complaint partially upheldFreedom of Information Act 2000
The complainant has requested information about complaint handling timeframes. Lancashire Constabulary (the Constabulary) relied on section 12(1) (cost of compliance) of FOIA to refuse the request. The Commissioner’s decision is that the Constabulary was entitled to rely on section 12(1) of FOIA to refuse the request. However, the Commissioner also finds that the Constabulary did not comply with its section 16 obligation to offer advice and assistance. Finally, he finds that the Constabulary breached section 10(1) and 17(5) of FOIA by failing to provide its refusal notice within the statutory timeframe. The Commissioner requires the Constabulary to take the following steps to ensure compliance with the legislation - provide the complainant with appropriate advice and assistance to help them submit a request that falls potentially within the appropriate limit. The public authority must take these steps within 30 calendar days of the date of this decision notice. Failure to comply may re
Exemptions cited: FOI 10; FOI 12; FOI 16; FOI 17
View Lancashire Constabulary